.....[Juan Bautista de Las]
Casas....did not become an heroic figure in the tales of Texas. Unlike Hidalgo, the Texan
insurgent has received only a few lines in historical annals. Some modern historians have
even stated that Texas had no part in Mexico's struggle for independence......The Casas
government proclaimed free commerce between the United States and Texas...the press of the
United States said "by autumn of 1811 self-government would be exercised by the
people from Texas to the Gulf of Darien; and that the profitable results of the revolution
for United States citizens would be the establishing of a free and profitable commerce
with Texas and Mexico." The Texas revolution.....kept open communications between the
insurgents of Mexico and the United States; hence, it was a safeguard to the [whole
Mexican] revolution. Lic. Ignacio Aldama was shot in Monclova [Coahuila y Texas], June 20,
1811. Father Juan Salazar was condemned to death for high treason, and shot in
Monclova.....[royal governors] Manuel de Salcedo and Simon de Herrera of Texas; Juan
Manuel Sambrano with the counter-revolutionists in Texas....accomplished the capture of
the insurgent [Hidalgo and his] chieftains....these Texas leaders ended the first period
of the Mexican revolution---Authors Garrett and Chabot

These observations alone suggest that
Texas played a decisive role in the timetable and evolution of Mexican independence.

SUMMARY OF EVENTS IN TEXAS FOR THE
YEAR 1811
The Las Casas and Sambrano RevolutionsFrom Texas Letters in Yanaguana Society Publication, vol. VI, 1941

The force of the revolution so spread, that it was followed by men who
had no news of its progress, who never conspired, and who had no resentment against
Spanish domination. When the news of the grito of Dolores arrived in the Internal
Provinces, the authorities there issued orders for the exercise of great vigilance to
prevent an outbreak in their territory. It seems, says Villaseñor, that the insurgents in
the interior of the colony, had no idea of extending the revolutionary influence to the
more remote regions. In that the revolution of San Luis Potosí, November 1810, put the
authorities in these provinces on their guard, quiet prevailed for some weeks; though in
spirit, the people were moved, and with the arrival of Jiménez, realized that the moment
for revolt was at hand.

Governor Cordero, of Coahuila, whose jurisdiction was
invaded, wishing to counteract the movement, gave battle at Aguanueva on
January 6, 1811. He was abandoned by his army, and forced to flee, but was
captured and imprisoned. When these facts became known, from Saltillo to the
Sabine, and from Mapimí to the Gulf, it was believed that Spanish domination
was at an end, because no army remained to oppose the triumphal insurgents;
thus, the military were the first to take on the movement for independence.
They had co-workers in the religious. Father Gutiérrez offered his services
to Jiménez, who instructed him "to incite to revolution in the five cities
of the Rio Grande: Laredo, Revilla, Mier, Camargo, and Reynosa." Before
long, "revolution and terror raged in the settlements on the Rio Grande." In
the Villa Capital San Fernando de Béxar, a conspiracy was discovered
on the night of January 15, 1811. It was lead by Antonio Saenz, Lieutenant
of Militia, who had escaped from the Guardia, where he had been imprisoned.
He was recaptured, however, along with others in the plot. Governor Salcedo
had intended to send military aid to Coahuila after Corderos' defeat, but
now he countermanded the orders, in fear of local insurrection. A junta was
promptly convoked, composed of the religious, municipal, and military bodies
of the Texas capital. They elected Governor Salcedo Political Chief of the
Province confiding its defense in him, and in Lt. Col. Simon de Herrera.
Plans were already under way for an attack against the insurgents on the Rio
Grande, and for the works of defense in Béxar.

Juan Bautista de las Casas, a retired army
officer, Captain of Militia, in San Antonio at the time, became disgusted
with the government, who planned to desert the Texas capital. He assumed
leadership of the opposition. On the evening of January 21, he prepared to
strike. In agreement with his officers, a coup d'etat was accomplished the
following dawn. The governors Salcedo and Herrera (of Nuevo Leon) were taken
as prisoners of war, treated with due consideration, and sent to Monclova
under escort. Jiménez ratified what Casas had done, and sent him the
appointment of governor of Texas. Casas, not accustomed to superior command,
committed injustices which caused discontent. "Confiscations, offensive
disorders, and the withholding of political rewards for patriotic services
in the insurgent cause," says Garrett, "drove wavering loyalists and
politically ambitious ones, defeated by Casas, to plot for their
deliverance."

Blinded with revolutionary illusions, the government were
over confident in their security. Either through stupidity or leniency, the
enemy was permitted to work. The insurgent government of Mexico had vague
ideas of a great America, with no boundaries or individual sovereign states.
To attain it however, they expected aid from the United States. In Saltillo,
Ximenez, with authority from Allende, appointed Field Marshal Ignacio Aldama
and Father Fray Juan Salazar, as commissioners to negotiate treaties with
the United States, for men, money, and every possible aid to promote the
revolution. These commissioners and their suite arrived in San Antonio on
February 27, 1811, where they were given a friendly reception by Governor
Casas. Needless to say, the purpose of the mission was soon known. Aldama's
uniform resembled that of a French officer of same rank; he had decorations,
or a gold cord on the left shoulder, which reminded one of the French legion
of honor. Loyalists saw in him the representative of Napoleon. They spread
the idea. Before long the people became suspicious. Then as to American aid;
the inhabitants felt that any troops from the United States would mean a
repetition of what had taken place in Baton Rouge and Mobile. They had no
desires for their Texas to become a second West Florida.

Subdeacon Juan Manuel Sambrano was a very
influential citizen. He had various brothers who also wielded political
power. He became disgusted with the revolutionary situation; left San
Fernando de Béxar for his ranch, La Laguna de las Animas, and let it be
known that he would not return to the capital until they were ready to rid
themselves of insurgent influences. With thirty-two servants, and many
visitors at the ranch, it is easy to imagine conversations there. When the
time was ripe, friends served on the subdeacon. He returned to the city.
This agent of ex-governor Manuel Salcedo, says Villaseñor, cleverly availed
himself of every opportunity to cause discontent with the Casas
administration; and even deceived the most decided partisans of independence
in Béxar. The first night of March, a junta was called in the Sambrano
house. They proceeded to the barracks, which were easily taken, as part of
the troops had already been converted. A general junta of military and
civilians promptly met. The majority made Sambrano their president. Oath was
taken to Religion, the King, and Country. At dawn, Governor Casas was
surprised in his dwelling.

To the public, Sambrano did not yet announce the
intention of a counter-revolution. Many were deceived. Those suspicious of
the return of Spanish rulers petitioned for frequent meetings of the junta,
public measures of the government and the forming of a model republic.
Prisoners were freed; confiscated properties, returned to their former
owners. A cabildo was organized for local muncipal government. The
Aldama-Salazar mission were carefully watched. Aldama said he had no
credentials, that upon his word of honor, he was on his way to the United
States of America to treat upon an offensive and defensive alliance, and to
try to obtain men to assist in the independence. Father Salazar had already
informed his religious colleagues in Béxar that he wanted mules and
provisions to continue his voyage to the United States, as there alone, they
would be free from the frightful Calleja who seemed to defeat the insurgents
everywhere; indeed, there was nothing left for them to do, but flee. Father
Salazar dared to preach in the public streets in favor of insurrection. On
the night of March 3, violence was attempted, but frustrated by careful
vigilance. The following morning (March 4) the mission were arrested and
confined in the Alamo, where the junta had great faith in the zeal of
Commander Tarin. Even here the guard was bribed; individuals of the
companies of Nuevo Leon and Nuevo Santander were seduced; assault was
threatened; but discovered in time by Lieutenant Escamilla who imprisoned
four of the leading conspirators. On July 2, Las Casas was sent under escort
to Monclova for the continuation of his trial. Aldama and Salazar had
proceeded him, sent from Béxar on May 2.

Two deputies Captains Galán and Muñoz, were dispatched
from Béxar to ascertain the disposition of the people of Coahuila and to
inquire into the situation of the Commandant General. Suspicious of some of
the local authorities, and knowing that the deputies (Galán and Muñoz) must
pass through insurgent territory, they were to let it be known that they
were proceeding to confer with Jim�nez, to whom the Governing Junta and its
President, Sambrano, addressed an official communication with the proposals
for a treaty, but with the statement that Texas would not permit the passage
through her territory of armed troops from the United States. "Their true
message was verbal," says Garrett, "and for Don Nemesio's ears alone. The
deputies were to pledge the loyal support of Texans to legitimate authority
of Spanish rulers, even their readiness to rise in mass to sustain the
commandant-general."

Lt. Col. Ignacio Elizondo had Royalist prisoners at his
hacienda near Santa Rosa, Coahuila. Among them was Ex-Governor Manuel de
Salcedo, who was as persistent as Father Salazar in seducing his guard. He
availed himself of every opportunity to convert Elizondo to the Royalist
cause. Then came the deputies from B��xar, with news of the
counter-revolution in Texas. Elizondo decided; he would start a
counter-revolution in Coahuila; his place would be in the fold of the
loyalists. Through his treason, the insurgents were surprised and captured
at the Wells of Baján (March 21, 1811). On receipt of this news, Sambrano
openly declared himself against the insurgents, and swore obedience to Don
Simon de Herrera, appointed governor of Coahuila. The letter bringing news
of the Royalist success came from a religious colleague, Father Ramos, who
stated that both Rio Grande and Laredo were without troops, as Capt.
Bustamante had taken them to Monclova. In this great enterprise which was
under way, it was hoped that the Texas Junta would send aid. Steps were
taken immediately for the security of the province of Texas. Five hundred
troops were made ready to proceed to the Rio Grande. The Sergeant Major was
appointed Lieutenant Governor to assume ad interim command in Béxar, as the
entire Governing Junta and their President, had decided to proceed to the
Rio Grande with the troops.

In expectation of a rapid succession of events in
Coahuila, President Sambrano, the Governing Junta, and the 500 troops, set
out from the Texas capital for the Rio Grande, on March 26. Five days later,
March 31, 1811, the Junta and advanced guard of 240 men, arrived in Laredo.
In this presidio they awaited action. As the insurgents had been taken at
Baján, the real danger had passed. The insurgents had fled from Saltillo.
Both Coahuila and Nuevo Leon were rid of the perfidious rebels. So the
Commander of Arms, Simon de Herrera, informed the President and Members of
the Junta, that they should return to their province for its security, as
well as that of the frontier. Then came more disheartening news for the
Junta: their deputies advised that Don Simon had been appointed ad interim
governor, and commander of the arms of the Province of Texas. The Junta had
requested the return of Governor Manuel de Salcedo. They failed to
understand the motive which prompted the appointment of Herrera. Don Manuel
was disappointed and requested the Junta to express their wishes to the
Superior Government, as they must verify such appointment if it were to be
legal. The Junta replied on April 18, saying they would communicate with
the Commandant General; and that they would be glad to deliver over the
government to him (Manuel de Salcedo) when he should return to Texas and
request it. The Junta also observed that the superior Government had
slighted Texas, for they had not even mentioned this province in connection
with events in Coahuila. Where would they have been, asked the Junta, if
there had been no counter-revolution in Texas?

On April 6, with further orders from Monclova, saying
that all was quiet and there was no further need of the Texans in Laredo,
the Junta decided to return to their Texas capital. On the 16th they arrived
at the rodeo of Mission Espada. A further suggestion from Mexico, as to how
the Governing Junta could attend to their own affairs in Texas, came through
the deputies, who wrote on April 3, that Nacogdoches, Atascosito (which at
the beginning of the year had a detachment of 26 men) and Trinidad should be
reinforced. In April the Junta petitioned the Commandant General to grant
some distinction to the Villa Capital in recognition of their loyalty and
faithful service. Don Nemecio replied that San Fernando de B�xar would be
raised in category from villa to that of ciudad. May and part of June, was
spent in "fury of loyalists vengeance." ex-governor Salcedo was president of
the Military Junta in Chihuahua for the trials of insurgent victims. Texas
had rushed to the fore, and with Coahuila had saved the northeastern
provinces from revolution. Now, about a month later, the Texas Junta was
crying to Don Nemecio for aid; would he please send two hundred troops; the
insurgents were inciting the Indians; the Comanches, Tahuacanos, Tancahues,
Tehuyaces, and Lipans had all to be dealt with.

The insurgents threatened from Louisiana and the Neutral
Ground. Cristóbal Dominguez was returned to Nacogdoches, with Guadiana, next
in rank. Dominguez reported his arrival after reconnoitering the Sabine
country. Groups of vagrants, he said, had been organized by Mr. Simit, and
were in Spanish territory. On May 20, 1311, Father Huerta forwarded a letter
he had received from Smith, to the Junta, along with a paper setting forth
the plans of Napoleon. Smith wrote from Natchitoches that he was ever ready
to help his brethren, the insurgents in their struggle for liberty. He said:
"I will raise a thousand men and place them around your banners.You should
at once abandon your king, for he is unworthy to rule you because he has
submerged his sovereignty beneath the tyranny of Napoleon and because he has
spilled so much blood in the heart of his kingdom." Father Sosa, Huerta's
religious colleague, was not so faithful; instead of forwarding his
correspondence to the Junta, he escaped into the United States. The results
of this report were important to Texas. One hundred and fifty troops were
sent from Bexar to Nacogdoches; but with the great number of revolutionists
in that jurisdiction, these few men soon dwindled away. B�xar, in the
meanwhile, was left undefended.

In July Simon de Herrera returned as ad interim governor
of Texas. He was faced with the same old troubles: quarrelling with Canary
Island descendants; Indian affairs; insurgent and border activities,
including contraband. With the Junta's roll of honor before him, Don
Nemecio, in October, granted rewards, which however, awaited H. M.'s
approval: the subdeacon, Juan Manuel Sambrano was created a lieutenant
colonel of cavalry; administrator of mail, Erasmo Seguin, captain of urban
militia; alf�rez of Bexar Militia, José Maria Sambrano, lieutenant of
Provincial Militia, with permission to return to his home; distinguished
cabo of the Company of Bahia, Francisco Vasquez, and distinguished soldier
of the Company of Parras (the Alamo), Miguel Pando, alf�reces of cavalry;
soldier of the presidial Company of Bexar, Manuel Delgado, sergeant; captain
of militia, Ignacio P�rez, was granted a sitio of land on the Medina where
he had his cattle ranch; lieutenant of Presidial Company of Bexar, Miguel
Musquiz was retired with rank of captain; Alf�rez Vizente Tarin was to be
promoted with the first vacancy in the province, to the rank of lieutenant;
sergeant of Presidial Company of Bexar, Patricio Rodriguez, was retired on
account of advanced age; sergeants of militia, Pedro Fuentes, Domingo
Bustillos, Francisco Montes and José Manuel Castro, were to be promoted, as
alf�reces, on first vacancies; as the company of militia in which Lt.
Francisco Flores had served was extinguished, he was permitted to use his
old uniform; José Dario Sambrano, ad interim curate, was recommended for
promotion to curate; officers of auxiliary militia, Captains Luciano Garcia,
Santiago Tixerina, and José Maria Muñoz, Lt. Antonio Saens, and
Alf�rez Juan
Cazo, had been recommended to the viceroy for rewards. Lastly, citizens:
Luis Galán, Manuel Barrera, Juan José Sambrano, Gavino Delgado, Vicente
Gortari, José Antonio Saucedo, Juan Veramendi, Francisco Ruiz, Angel
Navarro, Victor ---, Mariano Rodriguez, and Presbiter José Antonio
Valdés
were flattered with notes of praise and thanks. For his distinguished
services, Lt. Col. Simón de Herrera was promoted to the rank of colonel, ad
interim, awaiting royal approval. Manuel de Salcedo, who had rendered
valuable services in converting insurgents, who had blindly served H. M.
many years, and all of that was conspicuously neglected. He was under
suspicion for the Casas activities in Bexar. He would be permitted to return
to the governorship of the province; but probably, to his uncle's surprise,
he refused that flattering honor, explaining that he would encounter
difficulties from the inhabitants if not shown some distinction, and given a
clean statement of exoneration. Don Nemecio explained, and finally almost
compelled his nephew to assume charge of the "thorny mission" in Texas.
Though Manuel de Salcedo arrived in Béxar in September, he did not take over
the government from Herrera until mid-December.

Las Casas was convicted of high treason by a war
council composed "of five notables, two of whom were Elizondo and Cordero,
who had been deposed from the governorship of Coahuila by insurgents." He
was demoted and shot, on August 3. To impress Texans with the disagreeable
ending of an insurgent, and in truly Mexican fashion, for the heads of
Hidalgo, Allende, Aldama, and Jim�nez were placed at the four corners of the
Castillo de Granaditas, in Guanajuato, where they remained until 1821. It
was ordered that the head of Las Casas should be taken to B�xarr for public
display. "Unluckily Casas, the man," says Garrett, "did not become an heroic
figure in the tales of Texas. Unlike Hidalgo, the Texan insurgent has
received only a few lines in historical annals. Some modern historians have
even stated that Texas had no part in Mexico's struggle for independence."
It had. The Casas government proclaimed free commerce between the United
States and Texas. Not only the thieves of the Neutral Ground rejoiced and
prospered; the press of the United States said "by autumn of 1811
self-government would be exercised by the people from Texas to the Gulf of
Darien; and that the profitable results of the revolution for United States
citizens would be the establishing of a free and profitable commerce with
Texas and Mexico." The Texas revolution, as long as it lasted, kept open
communications between the insurgents of Mexico and the United States;
hence, it was a safeguard to the revolution. Lic. Ignacio Aldama was shot in
Monclova, June 20, 1811. Father Juan Salazar was condemned to death for high
treason, and shot in Monclova on the feast day of St. Simon and Judas.
Manuel de Salcedo and Simon de Herrera of Texas; Juan Manuel Sambrano with
the counter-revolutionists in Texas acting together with those of Coahuila,
accomplished the capture of the insurgent chieftains and the destruction of
revolution in the northeastern provinces. These leaders ended the first
period of the Mexican revolution. So indeed, concludes Garrett: "Texas
played a consequential role in the colonial history of Spain and left an
ineffacable mark on the history of the Mexican nation."